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IX.Pieces: Jordan Stark

Welcome back to IX.Pieces, where I showcase nine different pieces from artists all over the world. This week I am showcasing pieces from a long time friend and huge inspiration of mine: Jordan Stark. Jordan is an artist and a designer. He is the owner of Product Etc, a design firm that also creates in house products that are really fucking rad. He has also worked with brands like Knockaround sunglasses, Benny Gold, and even the San Diego Padres. I first met Jordan in… I want to say 2010 or maybe even 2009. Him and his business partner Tony were hosting a pop up shop at UnitedState boutique, a local shop here in Sacramento. They came up a few days early to set up and before you know it we were up until 6am wheat pasting the town (Sorry Mom). Jordan’s approach to life and art is transparent. He really gives a fuck about what he is creating. Most of our brief time spent together we were either creating, talking about creating, or creating while talking about creating. This is the reason why I couldn’t wait to showcase his work for you guys. Take a second to read a brief Q&A and then scroll down to peep out his work.

Can you describe the 9 pieces you chose to showcase for us?

This selection of work represents where I’ve been, and what’s influencing my next steps. The mediums, content, context, aesthetic, and focus moving forward are included in aspects of these pieces. This largely represents my personal explorations, and not-so-much the brand design work I often execute for clients.

Outrageous
Duh
Westside Love (encaustic)
Westside Love (apparel)
TwentyFour/Seven
Tri-state Etc
Juicy
You Are What You Listen To
Love is in the details

On top of your art work, you have also created many street wear products. Can you tell us why you are passionate about creating products as well as visual art? Also, what has been your biggest challenge in creating these products?

Products are a way to make art accessible for a larger audience. Accessible as in not just affordable, but also in attracting interest. The function and dimensionality of products is also a personal curiosity. It’s where my art and design thinking have been able to mingle. Streetwear has been an entry into that experiment, but I’d like to push it a little further. The biggest challenge with the products has been the business of making and selling. Making products is one thing, selling them is definitely another.

What are you focusing on now and where is your work taking you?

I’m focused on making art, mostly painting and experiments in sculpture, along with running my design business. Products are taking a little break, but will come back in some form. Increasingly, I’ve been doing more art/design installations and environmental graphics for clients, which has been challenging and rewarding. It has furthered my understanding of the role art and design plays in business, and the world around us.